"God-Confidence"

Who says it’s good, and who ever would,

Wonder about their best try,

Guess all who did, since being a kid,

Felt it when they were passed by.

But what about me, don’t I count you see,

Those feelings well up from down deep,

And never immune to who hears our tune,

And gives a kind word we can keep.

But the loud praise of men, again and again,

Reminds us how vain things become,

It burns up like hay, what the flatterers say,

If after it we always run.

A sad burden to bear, for all those who care,

And are trying to keep themselves straight,

‘Bout what matters at all, if we’re ridin’ tall,

And know just how narrow the gate.

Insecurity’s real, deep-seated to feel,

And the answer elusive at best,

But an old hand told me, and I do agree,

That the Good Lord can put it to rest.

On the desert I rode, with a wise one who showed,

If I’d listen the Spirit would speak,

And that’s what He did, and helped me get rid,

Of approval that makes a man weak.

And here is the cure, an Advocate sure,

Who tells us that He’ll meet that need,

‘Cause if He approves, even times when we lose,

From the world’s praise we’re finally freed.

Some better no doubt, some worse, they’re about,

But no matter we learn who we are,

With His smile that is real, you know we can feel,

God-confidence better by far.

Okay in your skin, that’s when we begin,

To impact this world with God’s light,

To drag from the fire, and never to tire,

Those souls for whom we’re in the fight.

Like God’s men of old, in God’s Book we’re told, 

They did what they did for His glory,

And through every test, they were bound to God’s best,

And that’s why we still tell their story.

“Obviously, I am not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” (Galatians 1:10, NLT)

It was obvious to Paul that he couldn’t have it both ways. Either he lived to win the approval of people or he lived for God’s smile. He chose wisely and we should, too. It’s all well and good when God gives us favor with people, and there’s nothing wrong with giving and receiving encouragement. But the real issue runs to our motives. Why do we do what we do? Is it for men’s applause and recognition? What if credit is given to someone else? Does this bother us or is it immaterial? These are good questions to answer if we are to stay focused on giving God the glory. Jesus put a premium on praying, fasting and giving in secret, where only the Father would see. It matters why.

Lord, help us live for Your approval, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Jason Rich, used by permission. Thanks, Jason, and God bless you.